Northamptonshire politicians start to react to news UK will leave the EU and Cameron is resigning

East Midlands has voted to leave the EU ANL-160624-043645001

Published:06:21Friday 24 June 2016

Politicians in Northamptonshire are starting to give their reaction to the news that the UK has voted to leave the EU and the resignation speech by the Prime Minister.

Emma McClarkin, Conservative MEP for the East Midlands, said: “A new day has dawned for the British people. The destiny of our great country is in our hands. Britain will now be a freer, more democratic and prosperous country. Our future today is bright.

“Having campaigned for a Leave vote, I am naturally absolutely delighted that, against all the odds, the force of our arguments has cut through and resonated with a majority of the British people.

“I hope that those in the remain campaign will now accept the result as the settled will of the British people, and work positively to help ensure a swift, orderly and friendly exit from the EU for the United Kingdom.

“We must now all work in the national interest and it is now up to us as politicians to deliver the will of the British people. I look forward to helping out in any way I can in the days months and years ahead.”

MP for Daventry, Chris Heaton-Harris, said: “With an 81 percent turnout and nearly 59 percent of those voting wanting to leave the European Union, the people of Daventry have spoken on this important issue. I’m pleased we have a leave vote and now we need to come together and work together to grasp the opportunity we have created for our country with both hands.”

Kettering MP Philip Hollobone said: “I’m really proud of the role which people in the borough of Kettering have played in helping to secure this historic decision to leave the EU.

“Both the turnout (76 per cent) and Leave vote (61 per cent) were well above the national average and local Leave campaigners have been fantastic.

“Kettering is the beating heart of middle England and we’ve told the establishment exactly what we think.

“Well done Kettering.”

Tom Pursglove, MP for Corby and East Northants, tweeted: “A fantastic result in #EastNorthamptonshire too - always proud of my constituency, but this is very special. Huge well done to all involved.”

Speaking about the result, he said: “I am absolutely delighted.

“This is a very special day, which is not just important in British history but in European history and global history.”

He paid tribute to David Cameron, saying: “I would pay tribute to the Prime Minister that he had the confidence and faith in the British people to let them have their say.

“That will be a very big achievement of his and he should take great credit in giving the British people the chance to vote.”

Mr Pursglove said it had been a ‘remarkable’ campaign and added: “This has invigorated our politics, people who haven’t voted for years and years have turned out to vote.”

But he said it was now ‘so important’ that members of the public, politicians and businesses come together to make the decision to leave work for everyone.

Andrea Leadsom, MP for South Northamptonshire and a high-profile supporter for the Leave campaign, tweeted: “Huge congratulations on our Independence Day!!! A superb result for the UK”

Speaking after David Cameron had announced he would step down by October, David Mackintosh, MP for Northampton South (who supported Remain) would not be drawn on whether the next Prime Minister would need to be an MP from the Leave campaign.

But he said that it was clear from Northampton’s referendum result what people’s feelings are about the EU - and what issues swung the vote: “I think people in Northampton had very genuine concerns and these included immigration and the fact that decisions were made by people who were not accountable.

“People have spoken very clearly with one voice and that is unambiguous. We [as politicians] must make sure that we now implement their wishes and fight for the very best deal we can.”

The leader of South Northants Council, Councillor Ian McCord, tweeted: “The #EU must be thanked for this result, their arrogant intransigence meant a non deal has become #Brexit @vote_leave @StrongerIn. Arise Lord Farage, or Sir Nigel? @vote_leave #brexit”

The official Twitter account for Northampton Lib Dems said: “In a few hours or days or weeks or months, it will be clear the Lib Dems were right. When that happens, come join us and help us fix this. Worth saying this morning - to the wonderful Europeans living with us here; thank you for everything you do and have done.

“You know you’ve done something stupid when the French national front are giving you hearty congratulations,” the account added.

Former Northampton South MP now member of the Green Party, Tony Clarke, said: “#Brexit is a shallow victory, built on indifference and division, differences we had with the EU we now have within ourselves #NotInMyName.”

Outside of politics, groups, business leaders and organisations were responding to the news.

NFU President Meurig Raymond said: “The vote to leave the European Union will inevitably lead to a period of uncertainty in a number of areas that are of vital importance to Britain’s farmers.

“The NFU will engage fully and constructively with the British government to construct new arrangements. This needs to happen as soon as possible.

“Our members will rightly want to know the impact on their businesses as a matter of urgency. We understand that the negotiations will take some time to deliver but it is vital that there is early commitment to ensure British farming is not disadvantaged. It is vital that British farming is profitable and remains competitive, it is the bedrock of the food industry – Britain’s largest manufacturing sector.

“The NFU has called an extraordinary meeting of NFU Council, its governing body, next Friday July 1, 2016.

Ian Cattle, head of of Carter Jonas’ Northampton office said: “With a vote to leave, the UK property market is unlikely to escape the wider economic instability which is anticipated over the coming months.

“However, recent volatility in the bond and equities markets reinforce the case for real estate investment, as property continues to provide long term income stability and the ability to add value through active asset management.

“Looking forward, we firmly believe that fundamentals will continue to drive the UK property market. The UK has one of the largest and most sophisticated property markets in the world and because of this it should remain a magnet for global occupiers and investors.”

Gareth Stace, director of UK Steel, said: “The decision to leave the European Union will send shockwaves across the UK’s steel industry. Our sector is well versed in having challenges thrust upon it, but it’s clear that this is like no other.

“It is now more essential than ever to create the right business conditions in the UK that allow the steel industry to survive, invest and thrive. This will ensure that our vital supply chains, such as defence, automotive and construction, can rely on the production of steel in the UK so we are self-sufficient and can never be left at the mercy of others. Government now needs to fully and finally tackle head on the uncompetitive electricity and policy costs that have historically hindered the growth of steel producers and seen thousands of high-skilled jobs lost over the last year. We need to see all major projects, from HS2 to Hinckley Point to airport expansion, all using British Steel instead of procuring from foreign companies that offer no social value to the UK and its communities and economy.

“Government can now match words with actions and take the lead in dealing with subsidised exports, most notably form China, that are slowly destroying steel making in the UK. It must come up with clear and concrete actions to ensure that we can still trade with the EU, while at the same time ensuring that trade tariffs have the teeth to guard against dumping of Chinese steel. An exceptionally challenging ask, but one the whole UK steel industry stands ready to support.”